Saturday, February 27, 2010

Hello, welcome back to the Phile, on another Saturday. So, how are you? The head of Toyota had to appear before Congress to be yelled at. It was actually refreshing to see a car company CEO appear before Congress and not ask for $10 billion. About a third of the members of Congress are on Twitter. Now we know why nothing is getting done. There’s a new member of Twitter: the Dalai Lama. I think he just did it to make China mad. Everything he does annoys China, it’s like he’s Ellen DeGeneres and China is Simon Cowell. Dick Cheney was released from the hospital. Doctors say he’ll be up, shooting lawyers in the face in no time. Man, it's been awhile since a good Cheney joke. President Obama hosted a bipartisan healthcare summit. They met for a little more than six hours which, coincidentally, happens to be the average wait time at the emergency room, if you’re bleeding. Obama and several others made the point that Congress uses taxpayer money to buy themselves excellent health insurance. It actually led to a plan to make everyone in the country a member of Congress, so congratulations, representatives. The Olympics are over and Great Britain won one medal... a gold in skeleton, whatever that is. The Olympics have been a mixed blessing for Canada. They were hoping to win more medals than any other country, but they are way behind. You would think that at this point, Canada would be very comfortable not being No. 1. I wonder if I'll get any more Canadian interviews after this. So, yesterday we went to Medieval Times. It was cool that my wife could leave the house and do something for a short while since her surgery. Anyway, they had a banner hanging up in the castle which I thought was odd.

I guess they had bro's before ho's back then. Also, in the gift shop they had inspirational posters, and you know what a big fan I am of those. I was puzzled they had this one, especially with kids in the area.

1859Congressman Dan Sickles of New York shoots and kills Philip Barton Key, the son of Francis Scott Key (who wrote the "Star Spangled Banner"). The younger Key was having an affair with the congressman's wife. Sickles later pleads insanity and is acquitted.1937The Reichstag conveniently burns. A mad Dutchman who was arrested at the scene, Marinus van der Lubb, may have been partially responsible but if this is so, he is likely someone's patsy. The Nazi Party benefited greatly from the subsequent crackdown, and it's suspected that SA stormtroopers set things up for van der Lubb.1977Rolling Stone Keith Richards arrested in Toronto with his girlfriend Anita Pallenberg for possession of heroin. Found guilty at trial over one year later, he manages to get off with a suspended sentence plus benefit concerts for the blind.1982Freelance photographer Wayne B. Williams found guilty of two counts of murder, though he is suspected of killing 22 other Atlanta area black boys. Williams was caught dumping a suspicious load from atop a bridge in the middle of the night.1991Mitchell brother Jim shoots and kills Mitchell brother Artie for reasons that aren't exactly clear. The brothers had built up a San Francisco porn empire centered around the O'Farrell Theater, and were responsible for one of the best-selling porno films of all time: Behind the Green Door, starring Marilyn Chambers and John Holmes.1992Trying to get the lid off her McDonald's coffee to add cream and sugar, 79-year-old Stella Liebeck accidentally splashes the 180-degree liquid on herself, causing third-degree burns to the thighs, genitals, and buttocks. After skin graft surgery and weeks of recuperation, Liebeck asks McDonald's to turn down the temperature of their coffee and pay $20,000 to defray her hospital bills. McDonald's tells the old lady to fuck off, as they had done for a decade of similar burn claims. Ultimately, a jury awards Liebeck $2.9 million in the resulting lawsuit, which immediately triggers a renewed call for legislative tort reform.

Okay, now for the announcement on the sixth book in The Peverett Phile Book Club. Almost fifty years after he first crossed the small screen, "Doctor Who" remains a science fiction touchstone. His exploits are thrilling, his world is mind-boggling, and that time travel machine -- known as the Tardis -- is almost certainly an old-fashioned blue police box once commonly found in London. Paul Parsons's plain-English account of the real science behind the fantastic universe portrayed in the "Doctor Who' television series provides answers to such burning questions as whether a sonic screwdriver is any use for putting up a shelf, how Cybermen make little Cybermen, where the toilets are in the Tardis, and much more. Taking the show as a starting point -- episode-by-episode in some cases -- Parsons dissects its scientific concepts. The book is...

It comes out in June and you can preorder it now from Amazon.com or go to Amazon.co.uk and purchase it already. Paul Parsons will be on the Phile in a few weeks as well. So, look forward to that, kids.

Today's guest is a nationally touring troubadour noted for her poignant lyrics. Her latest single "Strange Summer Snow" is available as a free download at her website Gabriellelouise.com. Please welcome to the Phile, the lovely... Gabrielle Louise.

Me: Hello, Gabrielle, welcome to the Phile. So, how are you? Should I call you Gabrielle or Gabby?

Gabrielle: Gabrielle is what I prefer, but despite this, many people resort to calling me Gabby. I'm quite chatty, as you're about to discover, and that's why.

Me: First things first, I have to ask you about the John Lennon Song Writing Contest. You won it a few times, right? I never heard of it, and being a big Beatles fan I am surprised. How did you find out about it, what did you have to do to win and what was the award?

Gabrielle: The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is a competition for aspiring and professional songwriters founded by Brian Rothschild. I did not win the contest at any point in time, much less a few, but I did get into the regional finals twice. That was a great honor for me because I was still in school, and just beginning my career. The contest has gained popularity thoughout the years, and is now open for anyone to enter their works. At the time that I submitted, however, you could only do so through the music education department at a collegiate level. I was still in high school then, but I was able to convince the administrator from a near-by college to submit my application.

Me: You have four releases out, right? I looked on iTunes and only found one album called "Journey". Are you planning on putting any more albums up on iTunes?Gabrielle: Ha ha, I can't decide. It's been on my to-do list for, well, years. In some ways, being listed on iTunes is like being in the phone book, so there's a certain incentive from a publicity point to get your albums on there. On the other hand, iTunes keeps a large percentage of the sale, so it behooves us that have invested in the cost of recording our music to encourage fans to purchase the mp3s and records directly from us (at a show, on our websites) instead of giving 35% to a large company for the simple task of hosting the file and delivering it to you in a search result. (Speaking of search results, ever notice that from time to time, you can't find a household name on there?) At any rate, know that when you're buying music from an artist's website, you're giving your dollar the best chance to make it to the musician. When you buy it from other online sources a 35% cut is average, and then, if the artist is on a label or has management, more percentages will get chopped off until your dollar is looking more like a dime.

Me: You have an amazing singing voice, Gabrielle, have you been singing all your life? Your parents were musicians as well, right?

Gabrielle: Thank you very much for the compliment. My parents are musicians, and they did raise me in a household of song. My mother loves Joan Baez and is a music therapist, and my father is a professional guitar player and loves the Beatles. For every moment of mayhem and transit and lunacy that I experienced growing up in a very large family of creative crazies, I learned a song, and likely in three part harmony.

Me: My dad was also a musician but I have no musical talent, unless you count the kazoo. What kind of music did you listen to growing up?

Gabrielle: Hey man, the kazoo is totally countable in my book. And you've got one up on me because I haven't a clue how to play it. You just, eh, hum through it? And I saw photos of your dad, by the way, that define the pure bliss of playing music. Loads of old traditional folks songs, bluegrass and gospel, Joni Mitchel, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, the aforementioned obsessions of my parents, ABBA. Oh my god, ABBA--my childhood heroes.

Me: This is very cool, Gabrielle, I don't know what to say... you travel in a van that is powered by recycled vegetable oil. Is that right? Is that less expensive then gas? Where do you get the oil?

Gabrielle: This is your most complicated question so far. I'll answer in brief, but if readers are still curious, I recommend they head to www.gabriellelouise.com/veggie-workshop.html and dig up more info. That's a page that is devoted to the workshops my tour manager and I give about the how-to of alternative fuels. We're very excited about traveling the way we do, and are working on putting together a large resource of information online. Veggie is less expensive than gas, in fact, it's usually free. We get it from the fryer! Restaurants donate it to our cause, we get the same gas mileage, and it's carbon neutral!

Me: Do you have to mix it with anything?

Gabrielle: No, if we did, we'd likely be making bio-diesel, another, but very different, alternative fuel option.

Me: What made you decide to fuel your vehicle with Veg oil? I bet the exhaust smells good.

Gabrielle: I decided to convert my tour van to run on veggie because I was interested in being able to travel without contributing to global warming. Some people are discouraged from learning more about veggie oil because they've heard it smells like French fries. In reality, before it's used, the fuel needs to be filtered, so once it's purified, it has no smell.

Me: When you first came up with the idea, did anybody give you a hard time and think you were crazy? I would be scared to try anything like that, I might blow up my Prius.

Gabrielle: Ha. Ha. You would clog up your Prius if you tried, this particular method only works in diesel engines. In terms of the fear of blowing up an engine: vegetable grease, as you know from cooking with it, is much safer than gasoline or petroleum diesel. Did anybody think I was crazy? No, not really. I guess I have a lot of environmentalist friends, and that movement seems to be growing. If anything, people give us a hard time about driving a large van around the country... until they find out what we're fueling it with.

Me: Let's talk about your blog on your website gabriellelouise.com. When did you first start to do your own blog and do you enjoy doing it?

Gabrielle: I'm loving it! I wish I had time to update it every day. I put song ideas, poems, journal entries, photographs... anything creative. It's like my virtual scrapbook. I started it last month, although I've been meaning to do it for years.

Me: You are currently living in Buenos Aires, right? What made you move there? It's in Argentina, isn't it? I want to go to a lot of places in the world, but I don't think Argentina is on my list. Do you speak Spanish? What's there to do there?

Gabrielle: I am currently in Buenos Aires until April 1st, when I'll head back to the US to begin the touring season. I am learning Spanish slowly but surely, and really enjoying that accumulation of new information. I fell like a teenager again, minus the zits. The reason I came down here for the winter is because Buenos Aires is a hot spot at this time of year for music, dance, and culture. (Literally, too: it's summer in the southern hemisphere!) I love to dance the Tango as a personal hobby, and Buenos Aires is the birthplace of that beautiful dance.

Me: You have a very talented band, Gabrielle, why don't you go ahead and tell the readers who is in the band.

Gabrielle: Thank you. That depends on what show you see me at! Sometimes I perform with a trio of Ryan Drickey on fiddle, Niel Ross on upright bass, and myself on guitar and vocals. Sometimes I perform in a duo configuration with a good friend of mine, and fellow songwriter, David Rynhart. For big shows, I love to incorporate dancers, artists, and many creative personalities. And of course, I give solo shows as well, and those are much more personal feeling.

Me: You released a single called "Save The Arkansas", and there's a message behind that song. Did you write it, and what is the message?

Gabrielle: I used to be a raft guide on the Arkansas river before I started focusing so much on music. I also grew up on that river: the Arkansas River Valley and Salida, CO were a favorite returning point for my vagabond parents. When I heard about the mine tailings seeping from old silver mines into the headwaters, I was moved to write that single, as an address to our government to clean it up. There was a time when the "Leadville Mine Crisis" was being talked about a lot in the press as a potential disaster. Folks thought the mountainside was going to blow open with this toxic laden water. Although that hasn't happened, there is still seepage that is harmful to the environment, and I certainly hope that it doesn't have to be a Hollywood like disaster for people to pay attention to what's happening.

Me: Gabrielle, thanks so much for doing this interview. You are welcome back for Alumni Month in August. Go ahead and plug your website again, and tell the readers where they can get your music and if anybody wants to know more about fueling a vehicle with veggie oil where can they get more info?Gabrielle: You're welcome! Thanks so much for having me on. My website is www.gabriellelouise.com. I don't use myspace too much, but I am on Facebook. For more info on veggie, please visit www.gabriellelouise.com/veggie-workshop. I'm also working on a larger festival carpool that has an online presence at www.carboncarpool.com.

Me: Take care, keep in touch, and be safe. Thanks again, Gabrielle.

Gabrielle: Adios for now!

That about does it. Now I am gonna go play "Super Hero Squad" on Wii with Logan. But first, thanks to Gabrielle for a great interview. I have to say, that was one of the best ones I have done, so please go to her website and check it out. It's gabriellelouise.com, kids. Also, thanks to Wikipedia, John Hopkins University for the details on "The Science of Doctor Who" and Paul Parsons for letting his book be on the P.P.B.C. The Phile will be back next Tuesday with English country singer Annie McQueen. Yeah, you read that right, an English country singer. Thanks for reading, spread the word, not the turd. Bye love you bye.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Hello, welcome to the 300th entry of the Phile! Tonight Today's guest will be Jennifer McKee who was the second person I interviewed, and the first musician. I apologize to Gabrielle Louise... her interview will be posted in the next entry on Saturday. Anyway, 300 posts. That's almost a years worth. According to doctors, marijuana use among the elderly is at an all-time high. Apparently, senior citizens are moving very slowly, making crazy statements, and going out to dinner very early. The new credit card regulations started yesterday, which is good news if you’re in credit card debt. Americans owe $874 billion to credit card companies. To be fair, most of that is Mel Gibson’s bar tab. Okay, speaking of 300, did you see the inspirational 300 posters?It's like March of the Penguins meets 300. Did you ever see the original poster for 300, with the original title? If not, the Phile happens to have it. Check it out.

303Roman Emperor Diocletian issues an edict to suppress Christianity, "to tear down the churches to the foundations and to destroy the Sacred Scriptures by fire". Further edicts require that church officials engage in animal sacrifice to appease traditional Roman gods.1885The British hangman at Exeter Gaol tries three times to hang John Lee of Devonshire, for the murder of Emma Keyse. The trap refused to open. His sentence was commuted to life, and he was eventually released.1915Nevada enacts a law reducing the "quickie divorce" residency requirements down to six months, a figure further reduced in 1931 to six weeks.1942The first Japanese attack on the U.S. mainland occurs when an I-17 submarine fires 13 shells at an oil refinery near Goleta, Southern California. $500 damage was inflicted. It was not clear why this target was chosen until much later, when it was found that the commander of this particular submarine had visited the site in the 1930's and stumbled into a field of prickly pear cactus. Captain Nishino never forgave the ridicule he received from his American hosts that day.1981Right wing members of the Civil Guard storm the Spanish Parliament with machine guns, taking every important elected official in the country hostage. The coup collapsed 18 hours later.1996The "Freeway Killer" William G Bonin executed at San Quentin. For his last meal he chose two pepperoni and sausage pizzas, three coffee ice creams, and fifteen cans of Coca Cola totaling a rather unhealthy 6391 calories.

Alumni Month is scheduled for August again like last year, but for my 300th entry of the Phile I wanted to pheature someone who I interviewed before and I chose Jennifer McKee as she was my second interview and first musician. Her new self-titled three song EP is now available for download at iTunes. Please welcome back to the Phile... Jennifer McKee.

Me: Hello, Jennifer, welcome back to the Phile. Alumni Month is due in August, but as you were my first musician I interviewed I wanted you to be on the 300th entry of the Phile. So, how are you?

Jennifer: I'm doing great! It's great to be on the Phile again... it was fun last time. :)

Me: Did you get much feedback from the last interview?

Jennifer: I had a lot of my friends and fans check it out and they loved your blog! I also had great feed back from your faithful readers too! I think we converse quite nicely via email, don't ya think? I was a little nervous last time because I'm such a people person, I wondered if I would be able to be myself and come across as "me" in a email interview but it was fun, and it's good to be chatting with you again.

Me: Are you still living in Washington, Jennifer? I bet it's been cold there, right?

Jennifer: My home base is still Washington state. I know some people think it's weird that I'm based from the Pacific Northwest, but I have such a good support system here and love it that I don't have any immediate plans for a big move to Nashville or Los Angeles. I had considered it a while back but after much thought I decided to stay put in Washington. I love being close to Vancouver, B.C. because of the huge country music scene up there, as well as the movie/film scene too (a little secret: I'm starting to branch into acting and I'm having a blast with it!). Also, Los Angeles is a short plane ride which is convenient. So, I'm a west coaster until further notice. I don't want to worry the southern readers of the Phile who may wonder how a Northwest girl can sing country music. Well, Loretta Lynn is from my area and got her start here and although that should be enough to ease everyone's mind, I will also add that I am originally from southeast Alabama and am a southern girl at heart. :) I'm not sure if I want to tell you how great it is living up here because it's kinda the best kept secret around, but the weather is quite mild here all year long. The rest of the country is battling snow storms and we had 60 degrees and sun today... in the middle of February! It's not 60 degrees all winter long, but it's not freezing either. So, shh... let's keep this between you and me.

Me: How is your family doing? Kids get big fast, don't they? Is your son still rocking the guitar?

Jennifer: My family is amazing. Working in the music industry is so very tough and even though it seems glamorous, those moments are few and far between. So, my family is my rock when I feel discouraged or wonder what the heck I'm doing. They are along on this journey with me...we are a team. I'm finding it hard to put into words just how hugely important my husband is to my career. He is my co-writer, producer, keyboardist, back-up singer, cheerleader, biggest fan, I could keep going and going. I wouldn't be doing any of this without him, that's for sure, so, I'm thinking he's a keeper. My kids make me smile every day and they are growing entirely too fast! I have 3 little boys and each one of them are musicians. My oldest son plays electric guitar and drums. He's a songwriter and had his first song copywrited, published and became a member of ASCAP at the age of 6 years old! My middle son plays keyboards and drums... he's a machine on the drums and can out play most adults... it's a sight to behold and videos of him playing are being posted and shared on facebook like wildfire (he writes songs and sings too). My youngest son plays drums and loves to sing. We joke that one day they will be my band but with the talent they have, it may be a reality one of these days.

Me: Let's talk about your EP that is now available on iTunes. I must've been one of the first people to download it as I did the first day it was released. You mentioned last time that you are working on an album. So, is the EP just a taste of what the album will be?

Jennifer: Thanks for downloading it! That means a lot. The EP is definately a taste of what the album will like. One of the great things about signing with an indie label (and having ownership in said label), is that I don't have to follow the "rules" of the game that bigger labels and the country music industry set. It seems to me like a lot of times an artist gets pigeon holed into a certain style or sound and I don't want that for my music. Over all, my CD will be have a "New Country" sound, but I have some tracks that will lean towards southern rock, blues, gospel, and pop. It will be an eclectic mix that will have a similar vein of country running through it.

Me: How did you pick those songs for it, Jen? And did you write them all?

Jennifer: I wrote or co-wrote every song that will be on the album. I write a ton of songs and so sometimes it's hard to narrow down which ones make the cut, so how I usually choose what will make it on the album is by picking the ones that really speak to me or strike a chord within me, emotionally speaking.

Me: You must be relieved you finally have music up for people to purchase. Does that wet your appetite for more?

Jennifer: I am relieved to finally have music up for people to purchase! It seems like things in the music industry move so sllloooowww sometimes and it can be very draining and make you lose heart at times, but slow and steady wins the race right? So, I try to be patient and let things happen when they are supposed to happen. I fully believe that God has it all under control and I just need to chill and enjoy this journey. And the answer to your question about if it wets my appetite for more? Well, that would be a big YES. :)

Me: Do you have a favorite track you recorded? I like them all, Jen. Last time you told the readers what the story is about the song "Happily Ever After". Can you tell the readers this time what the story is about "I See Your Daddy".

Jennifer: As for a favorite track, that's a very difficult question! I guess it depends on the day and what mood I'm in. The song, "I See Your Daddy" is probably the most emotionally charged song of the three because of the background. My Mom was killed in a car accident when I was 13 and my sister was 16. My Dad wrote a song for us called "I See Your Mama." When I heard it, I knew that someday, someone needed to record it. It's the kind of song that tugs at your heart strings. With my Dad's blessing, I reworked it, rewrote some parts of it to make it fit and not be so specific to our situation and to make it from a woman's point of view, then recorded it. It's a very special song to me and my family and I hope that it touches other people as well.

Me: I know you want to tour, Jen. Any shows planned yet? I am trying to figure out where you can play down here in Central Florida.

Jennifer: I am dying to get out on the road! We are in the planning stages right now for a possible summer and/or fall tour. Nothing is nailed down yet, but I will keep you posted. I would LOVE to go to Florida. Florida in the fall would be ideal because that's my favorite place to be that time of year... nothing beats it. Keep your fingers crossed. Thanks for checking on venues. I fully plan on meeting you in person one of these days. :)

Me: I have to ask you about you selling organic lotions again. Do you and your sister still have that business? How is that going?

Jennifer: Yes, my sister and I do still have that business: www.keyeduplifestyles.com. It is going very well. I spend much more time on my music career so even though we have plans for expanding and growing the business, we are taking it a step at a time and trying not to rush into anything. I'm a creative person, and I always have to be creating so this company is just another outlet for that creativity. It's fun working with my sister. Other than my husband, my sister is my best friend and partner in crime. I'm so fortunate to be able to be surrounded with and work with people that I love.

Me: You have friends who run a charity to help the victims in Haiti I think. Am I right. Go ahead and give us that website and info, in case the Phile fans want to help out.

Jennifer: I support an organization called "Convoy of Hope." It is an organization that feeds millions of people in need in the United States and around the world through children's nutrition initiatives, city wide outreaches, and disaster response. Convoy of Hope has worked in Haiti for years and since they already had operations going before the earthquake, they were already there, prepared with a warehouse of food and ready to go imediately following the earthquake. They were among the very first organizations helping and feeding people after the earthquake. The link to their website is www.convoyofhope.org. I know the people who run it and have full confidence in the character and integrity of this organization.

Me: Jen, thanks again for coming back onto the Phile. When the abum comes out you are welcome to come back of course. Continued success and take care.

Jennifer: Thanks so much! It's always an honor to be on the Phile and I look forward to next time.

That's about it for the 300th entry. The Phile will be back on Saturday with Gabrielle Louise for real this time. It would've helped if I knew how to read or count. I was off by one entry. Anyway, thanks to Jennifer McKee for coming back on the Phile and thanks to Wikipedia and Worth1000.com. Like I said, the Phile will be back on Saturday with the announcement of the 6th Peverett Phile Book Club book and Gabrielle Louise... so spread the word, not the turd. Bye love you bye.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Hey, there, welcome to a Saturday entry of the Phile, which is more exciting then watching curling. Curling is so boring, it makes bowling look like wrestling. Anyway, I am so glad I am keeping regular update days. Not. I'll get back to a normal schedule once I go back to work, whenever that is. It's hard work playing Mr. Mom. For those of you that asked, my wife is doing good, thanks. I watched this figure skater, Johnny Weir, the other night. He dresses very flamboyantly, which kind of reminds me of myself at his age. LOL. He’s like the Lady Gaga of the Winter Olympics. Tiger Woods did a press conference yesterday morning. Only select journalists were invited and no questions were taken. Essentially, we listened to him read. American snowboarder Shaun White is called the “flying tomato,” which I think is an unfair nickname. He’s a bit more carroty isn’t he? That Shaun White is incredible. I know I usually complain about young people and their non-aching hips and their functioning memories, but I take it all back. Of course, if I start to think snowboarding is cool, it is, by definition, uncool. How is it that the Olympics can hand out 250 medals in a few weeks? It takes “American Idol” 58 weeks to pick one karaoke singer. President Obama met with the Dalai Lama, despite strong objections from the Chinese government. They’ve even threatened to stop sending us poisonous toys. The president smoothed things over by not having the meeting in the Oval Office, and by also inviting Michelle Obama’s mama, Johnny Drama and Wilmer Valderrama. Anyway, back to the Olympics. I am glad they spruced it up a bit this year. I was a big fan of the women's skiing competition. Take a look and you'll see why.

And I like the Canadian inspirational poster that is being sold.

Seriously, what I REALLY like about the Olympics is two words: Lindsey Vonn. Check out this pic of her and you'll see why.

Hundred of geeks who signed on to read the interview with Frazer Hines are like whoa, right now. Scroll down, boys, it'll be okay.

Top Ten Signs There's Not Enough Snow at the Winter Olympics10. Snowboard events are held in fields of freshly minced onion.9. Since everyone is there already, they're going to start the Summer Olympics next week.8. Silver medal in the luge goes to some fat guy on a John Deere.7. Toboggan team seen hitchhiking to finish line.6. Winners of events decided by game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors"

5. Alpine skiing being replaced with Wii Alpine skiing.

4. Winning time in the men's downhill -- 2 hours, 12 minutes.

3. Snowboarding replaced by Waterboarding.

2. Bobsled teams forced to use recalled Toyotas instead of bobsleds.

And the number one sign there's not enough snow at the Winter Olympics...

1. NBC is involved. Figures.

1988I got a job at the Walt Disney Company as a Custodian in Epcot. Now I work as a Coordinator at Innoventions, still at Epcot.

This is some bloody cool, kids. This week's guest is a British actor best known for his roles as Jamie McCrimmon in the BBC science fiction television series "Doctor Who", and Joe Sugden in "Emmerdale". His book "Hines Sight" is the fifth book in the Peverett Phile Book Club, and he is the third "Doctor Who" guest I had on the show. Please welcome to the Phile... Frazer Hines!

Me: Hello, Frazer, how are you? Welcome to the Phile. Your book "Hines Sight" is the fifth to be featured in the Peverett Phile Book Club.

Frazer: Thanks, Jason, good to talk to you.

Me: You are also the third "Doctor Who" guest I had here. The first was Mary Tamm, and the second was Terry Molloy. Have you ever worked with any of them? I know you didn't on "Doctor Who", but any other project?

Frazer: I've never actually worked with either of them but I have met them at various conventions.

Me: Mary's book "First Generation" was featured in the Book Club as well. Have you read hers?

Frazer: Unfortunately not. I haven't got round to it yet as I've been busy working on my own book.

Me: You and Terry have something in common, you have both done long term famous shows about farms. He has been on the radio show "The Archers" forever, and you were on the popular British soap "Emmerdale". You are no longer on that show, right?Frazer: That's correct. I actually left working on "Emmerdale" in 1996. I like to think that we worked a lot harder on our show than they did on "The Archers" as we *really* had to milk the cows and help them give birth, wheras on "The Archers", being on the radio, they could get away with using sound effects only.

Me: Frazer, are you really from Scotland? If not, where are you from?

Frazer: I was actually born in Yorkshire in the North of England, but my mother was Scottish and I spent much of my childhood in Scotland just outside Glasgow.

Me: You played the second Doctor's companion Jamie McCrimmon, Frazer. How do you first get that part? Were you a big fan of "Doctor Who" before that?

Frazer: My agent rang me and told me to go and see Innes Lloyd at the BBC for a part in "Doctor Who". That was how it worked... you were told where to go by your agent! "Doctor Who" was one of the great successes of the day. Although it was a children’s programme it was very prestigious and well thought of. I had seen several episodes of the show because, being a red-blooded young man, I found Maureen O'Brien very attractive! Innes Lloyd, the producer at the time, was a lovely man. I remember when we talked that first time he was puffing on a pipe the whole time. 'Hallo, Frazer old boy,’ he said. ‘Sean Sutton told me I should have a look at you. We’re doing a four-episode story concerning Highlanders, and Sean tells me you’re very handy with a Scots’ accent.’ ‘I am half Scots,' I explained, and then asked if he would like me to read for the part. ‘No, that’ll be all right,’ he said, and the next thing I knew I was being fitted for my costume and was at Frensham Ponds, south of London, for the location filming.

Me: Patrick Troughton, who played the second Doctor passed away many years ago. Do you remember where you were when you first heard he passed?

Frazer: I was quite devastated when I heard the news. It was so sudden and unexpected. Patrick had been a good friend to me on "Doctor Who" and it's always very sad when your mates pass away like that.

Me: You played Jamie in a lot of episodes, many of them lost unfortunately. Does that bother you that new "Doctor Who" fans won't see a lot of your work?

Frazer: I was very proud of the work we did on "Doctor Who". Patrick, Debbie, Wendy and I all put our hearts and souls into the show, and it is amazing that the BBC never kept copies of the episodes. The stories were all great, and I have many happy memories of working on them.

Me: What was your favorite episode or story you were in?

Frazer: My favourite story would have to be my first, "The Highlanders". Because of that, I enjoyed three very happy years working with Patrick, and I’ve since got to travel the world, meeting fans and making friends, and having opportunities which many actors never get.

Me: I think it's cool you were in "The Two Doctors" episode in 1985, again playing with Patrick. And you looked like you didn't age. Anyway, did they approach you before the script was written or after?

Frazer: It was after producer John Nathan Turner arranged for me to do a quick cameo in "The Five Doctors", fitted in between recording schedules for "Emmerdale", that the call came about "The Two Doctors". Apparently John had enjoyed seeing Patrick and I working together again, and decided that he would try and base a whole story around us.

Me: What about the latest series of "Doctor Who"? Have you seen it, do you like it, and would you return as Jamie in it if they asked.

Frazer: I have seen some of the recent episodes, and it’s very impressive. The production team obviously care very much about it, and I’d love to have the opportunity to work with them at some point. If they asked, I’d come back to play Jamie like a shot! He was such a great character and I’ve had so much fun reprising the role recently for Big Finish in their audio plays.

Me: Did Big Finish ask you, or did you ask them?

Frazer: They actually got in touch a year or so back, and the result of those discussions was that I have recorded two of their "Companion Chronicles", and I've also just finished recording a series of stories with Colin Baker. Some of these haven't been released yet, but I understand that they are scheduled for this year.

Me: Most of the guests I get on the Phile are musicians, Frazer. When I interviewed Terry Molloy he mentioned he was in a band. You also have a musical past, right? Tell the readers of the Phile about the "Who's Doctor Who" single?

Frazer: Not many people know that I play double bass (my brothers and I had a trio: piano / bass / drums) and I had a pop group called Jamie and the Time Travellers. We went on the road plugging my single in 1967. Barry Mason and his partner Les Reed had just had a number one with "Delilah" for Tom Jones, and they also wrote "The Last Waltz" for Engelbert Humperdinck. They wrote "Who’s Doctor Who?" and Major-Minor records agreed to put it out. This is it, I thought. I’m going to be a millionaire pop singer. Unfortunately this was not to be the case.

Me: Okay, let's talk about the book you wrote called "Hines Sight". I love play on words, so I love the title. The book was written originally in '96 under a different title I think. What's the story?

Frazer: The original book was called "Films, Farms and Fillies". 'Films' because I started my career in films, television being in its infancy; 'Farms' because of all the farms I filmed on during "Emmerdale"; and 'Fillies' because of the two- and four-legged ladies which have formed a large part of my life. When it was first published, the publishers, Boxtree, were in the middle of being bought out by another publisher, all the people I was working with were distracted and unsure of their jobs, and so the book became a victim of the takeover and was afforded no publicity or marketing - even bookshops couldn't get hold of copies. All in all it was very disappointing given that I had spent so much time working on it and writing it. Therefore when the opportunity came up to have a modern hardback edition, I jumped at the chance.

Me: With the original book, how long did it take to write it?

Frazer: It was published in 1996, but I started working on it about a year earlier.

Me: With this new version, what made you re-release it with a different title? You added a lot more stuff to it, right?

Frazer: The book has been revised for the new edition, and with "hindsight", was that a good idea? I changed the title because it is a revised and re-edited edition, and it's in hardback. To my mind, the new edition is a new book and so needed a new title.

Me: Would you ever write another book?

Frazer: "Hines Sight" has only just come out, and so I want to see how that goes. I've certainly got enough stories!

Me: I always thought Wendy Padbury was cute as your co-companion Zoe. Are you still friends with her, and have you guys ever dated?

Frazer: You're so right! Wendy was very cute indeed. Working with her was a pleasure. At the time, though, we were both in other relationships, and of course we're still great friends as I am with everyone I worked with on Who.

Me: Coming up you'll be in Los Angeles at the Gallifrey One convention, Frazer. Do you like to do conventions, and meet the fans?

Frazer: I love them! And the conventions!! Without the fans, I wouldn't have the opportunity to reminisce about my happy days on "Doctor Who" or "Emmerdale", and I've met so many kind and appreciative people over the years.

Me: Do you come to America often? Here in Central Florida, we have our own "Doctor Who" conventions called HurricaneWho. Have you heard about that?

Frazer: Yes I have. Some great friends of mine, Tony and Linda Dowling, have a wonderful home in Fort Myers where I spend many happy holidays. I am also planning and hoping to be at HurricaneWho this year.

Me: Frazer, thanks for doing this interview. It's been a pleasure, sir. I have to tell you my cousin Jamie was named after your character, so this is really cool you are here. Tell your other "Doctor Who" friends that this interview was fun, and I hope to have more "Doctor Who" stars on here in the future. Go ahead and mention your website and tell the readers if they wanted to order your book, where would they get it from?

Frazer: Thanks for the questions! Anyone interested in the book can find it online at www.frazerhines.co.uk, and I'm happy to dedicate copies as well if people ask when they order.

Me: Take care, and if you ever want to go to Disney World, let me know, sir.

Frazer: That's very kind! Thanks. I love Disney World!

That's about it. Thanks to David Howe for helping set up the interview and of course to Frazer himself. Purchase his book if you are a "Doctor Who" or "Emmerdale" fan. The Phile will be back next Tuesday, kids, with the wonderful singer Gabrielle Louise. So, spread the word, not the turd. Bye love you bye.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Hey there, welcome to a Wednesday entry of the Peverett Phile. Before I start I want to thank everyone who sent well-wishes for me and my wife Jen who had surgery yesterday. And a special thanks to the staff at Winnie Palmer Hospital in Orlando for taking such good care of her. I was wondering in the waiting room why there weren't any male patients and then hours later it dawned on me... it's a women's hospital. They have children's hospitals, women hospitals but no men hospitals. We are screwed. Also, the gift shop in the hospital had all girlie stuff and baby stuff in there, nothing for guys to look at. There should be a CD shop or a book shop in the place. They would make a killing. They needed some kind of lounge with pool tables and crap to occupy the waiting guys. I was occupied enough though, entertaining Logan.

So, the other day was President’s Day, a day that we celebrate America’s presidential history by enjoying a great deal on mattresses. Scientists are saying that being bored can actually be bad for your health. You should probably stop reading this blog. Here's news from here in Florida, also know as America's Wang. There’s a 73-year-old man in Florida who has been charged with robbing the same bank three times. In his defense, he actually only robbed the bank once, he just went back twice to use the bathroom. Director Kevin Smith was thrown off a plane for being too big. Let’s just say Fat Tuesday for Kevin Smith is just “Tuesday.” I understand it’s frustrating if you’re sitting next to a big person on a plane and you’re crammed, but if you’re more than four feet tall on a plane, you’re going to be crammed either way. Have you been watching the Olympics? I have mixed feelings about the Olympics. I have a hard time taking an athlete seriously when he’s dressed like Lady Gaga. Sometimes it feels like the judges randomly pick a score. I’m like, “Are you high?” Of course, you can’t judge anything if you’re high — unless you’re Paula Abdul. Skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, these are not sports. They’re vacation activities. I feel like I’m watching someone’s home movies. They showed the biathlon today, a combination of cross-country skiing and shooting rifles, which is known to Sarah Palin as “commuting.” I am exited about the Olympics being in Canada, but I am even more excited about the 2012 Olympics being in London. I saw the logo for the London Olympics and all I could think of it looks like Lisa Simpson giving head to Bart. Seriously. Check it out and you'll see what I mean. Everybody is talking about the luge guy who died in the practice run, but no one is talking about the big ice skating accident. If you don't know what I'm talking about, here is a picture of it. I will warn you, though, it might make you sick.

The maker's of those inspirational posters are cashing in on the Olympics and I am sure they re selling thousands. Check out this latest one.

And now, from the home office in Port Jefferson, NY, here is this week's...

Top Ten Signs You're Having a Bad Valentine's Day10. Your date cancels on you saying that she wants to be well-rested for President's Day.9. You spend Valentine's Day alone, thinking of witty entries for a Top Ten List.8. Everyone except Cupid is shooting arrows at you.7. Your date brought her boyfriend.6. Your cell mate just lit a scented candle.5. You're the only actor in Hollywood not in the Valentine's Day movie.

4. Two gifts from your spouse: a life insurance policy and a brand new Toyota.

3. Date has talking points written on her hand.

2. The only Valentine's card you got was a bulk mailing from Tiger Woods.

And the number sign you're having a bad Valentine's Day...

1. Those aren't chocolates.

Dick FrancisOctober 31, 1920 - February 14, 2010A small funeral is planned.Dale HawkinsAugust 22, 1936 - February 13, 2010They called him the inventor of "swamp rock boogie". Impressive.Alexander McQueenMarch 17, 1969 - February 11, 2010A fashion designer named McQueen. Can you believe he was gay?Charlie WilsonJune 1, 1933 - February 10, 2010He won the battle but lost the... oh wait - no he didn't.

1600Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno burned at the stake at Campo di Fiore in Rome, likely because ecclesiastical authorities were alarmed at his rambling and somewhat insane ideas, coupled with rejection of accepted authority. Exactly what the charges against him were are lost to history, but likely involve theological heresies rather than astronomical.1974Forty-nine people trampled to death at a soccer stampede in Cairo, after crowds tear down entry barriers to the Zamalek vs Dukla game.1989The cinematic masterpiece Bill And Ted's Excellent Adventure starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter opened in theaters.1993An overcrowded ferry carrying up to 1,500 people sank off Haiti. Only 285 people were known to have survived.1994The decomposing corpse of Zviad Gamsakhurdia, first president of the Republic of Georgia, is exhumed from a temporary grave in Djikhaskari. His wife refuses an autopsy, but western journalists note a bullet wound in the side of Zviad's head. Officially listed as suicide, the wife also claims he was murdered. Another government minister oddly states the death was by cancer with the head shot administered post-mortem.

2009

After living 98 years, my grandmother Nanny Rose passes away. She outlived her two daughters, son-in-law and her husband.

Below is a copy of the latest book in the P.P.B.C. The fifth book I might add. Anyway, you can purchase it from FrazerHines.com. Please check it out, if especially you are a "Doctor Who" fan. The next entry of the blog next week Frazer will be a guest.

Today's guests is the band Tim Chad & Sherry from Nashville, Tennessee, who you will be playing next on March 4th at Bettys. Please welcome to the Phile... Tim Chad & Sherry.

Me: Hello, welcome to the Phile. So, who am I talking to? Tim or Sherry?

Tim Chad & Sherry: Tim Chad and Sherry is the name of our band. I’ve been known to appear as Tim Chad from time to time, usually at night. Sherry is a boy.

Me: Who are you guys? How many of you are in the band?

Tim Chad & Sherry: We once were the Silver Jews, or SJ “band” I should say. DCB has buried that so our mission has shifted to step-love dance grooves, melodies and romance. There is just something about a simple love song with a beat.

Me: I interviewed Patty from the Spiritual Family Reunion. Are you two part of SFR as well?

Tim Chad & Sherry: Patty is a dear friend of mine. She helped with background vocals at some shows and is very supportive of TC & S .

Me: I downloaded the album "mono love" from iTunes. Where was it recorded and what can you tell me about it's title?

Tim Chad & Sherry: "mono love" is a collection of songs we have worked on over a long period. It was mostly recorded with Pete Cummings in his living room. A couple tracks were recorded at my house. I wanted the title to have eight letters.

Me: Tell me a little about how you two met. Are you dating?

Tim Chad & Sherry: No we are just friends.

Me: I cannot figure out what type of music you guys play. What do you call it?

Tim Chad & Sherry: I do like that our music is hard to categorize but it makes getting the album out there difficult. How about “step-love”?

Me: Any new albums in the future?

Tim Chad & Sherry: I’m working on it right now with my friend Lonnie Hutchins. I’m excited about the material.

Me: Thanks for doing this. Any websites you'd like to mention?

Tim Chad & Sherry: Thank you, Jason, for the questions and your interest in T C & S. We have myspace page, you’ll find some new songs there soon. Myspace.com/timchadandsherry.

Okay, kids, that's it for another entry. I am sure my wife has a list of things she wants me to do. Thanks to Tim Chad & Sherry and I hope to have them on the Phile again one day. Also thanks to Wikipedia. The Phile will be back on Saturday... yes, Saturday with the guest Frazer Hines from "Doctor Who" and author of the P.P.B.C. book "Hines Sight". Have a good weekend, spread the word, not the turd. Bye love you bye.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Hello, welcome to a Tuesday entry of the Phile. Yes, because of the cock-up in my days off at work, the Phile is back on Tuesday, for this week anyway. Now that I’m here, you can look forward to an hour of crushing disappointment. So, how are you? You might be getting a lot of snow up North but we are getting a lot of rain here in Central Florida. I have been a bit down the last few days, kids. On Feb. 7th it was the ten year anniversary of my dad's passing, so this entry is dedicated to him. President Obama told a group of high school kids not to blow their college money in Las Vegas and people in Las Vegas are very upset. Without these kids’ college funds, who is going to take care of the ventriloquists and the prostitutes? Rahm Emanuel, who used an extremely offensive word to describe liberal democrats, apologized to the head of the Special Olympics and to Snooki from “Jersey Shore.” Adm. Michael Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says he believes gays should serve in the military. All gays, whether they want to or not. Do you have Olympic fever? The Vancouver Olympics are coming up in just over a week now. I’m going to be adding sequins to my skating outfit this weekend. Did you know Facebook just had its birthday? Could you believe it was just six years ago that you could lose touch with people you don’t like? The Super Bowl was the most watched event on TV, which is not good news if you’re a member of the Indianapolis Colts. It’s nice that Americans can all agree on sitting down and watching two groups of huge men beat each other up. The Super Bowl is a day that Americans celebrate the physical accomplishments of world class athletes by dipping fried chicken in Ranch dressing. Toyota has recalled 300,000 of the Prius Hybrids. The engineers realized there was a problem when Prius drivers weren’t able to stop — talking about how great the Prius is. I have a Prius, but it's not getting recalled. They’ve got the Super Bowl fever this week and then, next week is Mardi Gras. So for the next month, New Orleans will be in a wild, uncontrollable bender. They’re changing the city mascot to Mel Gibson. So, at work I asked some of the college kids how can I make the Phile ore popular and get more readers, and I was told just anything with Twilight would be cool, so once again I have a screen shot from the new upcoming Twilight movie which the Boondock Saints have a cameo appearance. For real. So, kids, check this never before seen picture.

LOL. That is so stupid. If you think that's stupid, check out what happens right after this. Yes, here is another brand new screen shot.

I haven't seen the other Twilight movies, but I might need to see this one. Over the last few months I have been showing you different inspirational posters, and I thought this one was kinda scary.

Howard ZinnAugust 24, 1922 - January 27, 2010History.

From the home office in Port Jefferson, New York, here is this week's...

Top Ten Signs You're Obsessed with "Lost".

10. Installed a hatch on the front of your pants.9. You refer to your in-laws as the "Others".8. You would watch it even if it were on NBC at 10pm.7. As your plane is crashing, you wonder if you're involved in another inane plot twist.6. ABC lists you as a dependent.5. Can I get back to you on this? I'm watching "Lost".

2. Created your own smoke monster by setting fire to your neighbor's house.

And the number one sign you're obsessed with "Lost"...

1. Willingly speeding home in your Toyota so you do not miss a single minute.

Here is the fifth book in the Peverett Phile Book Club, phans.

In a few weeks Frazer will be a guest on the Phile, which is cool as he'll be the third "Doctor Who" guest I had. Go to FrazerHines.com and order his book.

1909

The first federal law prohibiting the importation of opium is enacted, aimed not particularly at the ravages the drug was having on American society (none: white people weren't using opium), but at the hated Chinee.1950Senator Joseph McCarthy announces he has a list of 205 State Department employees who are Communist Party members. He did not mention that J. Edgar Hoover likes to wear garters and pumps.1968Planet of the Apes opens.1979Serial killer Ted Bundy abducts, rapes, and murders twelve year old Kimberly Leach of Lake City, Florida. He takes her from her junior high school, where she had been elected runner-up Valentine Queen the day before. Kimberly's remains aren't found for eight weeks. It is for this murder that Ted Bundy is sent to the Electric Chair ten years later.1989Officials for the World Wrestling Federation testify before the New Jersey Senate that their matches are actually rigged. Say it ain't so!1990Singer Del Shannon commits suicide with a .22 rifle. He is most remembered for his 1961 hit, "Runaway".

Today's guest is a country singer from Texas whose album "Before I Break" is available on iTunes. He'll be appearing at Mr. Will’s in Nacgodoches, Texas on February 13th so if you're in the area go check him out and tell him the Phile sent you. Please welcome to the Phile... Heath Webb.

Me: Hello, Heath, how are you?

Heath: A little windblown and hung over. Just got back from playing Amarillo last night, but all around I can't complain.

Me: Have you heard of Webb Wilder? You should go on tour with him, and call it the Webb Tour.

Heath: Yeah, I'm a fan of his, but I've never met the man.

Me: You're from Lubbock, Texas, home of Buddy Holly. Do you like Buddy Holly?

Heath: Definately. Spending time around here, you can't help but appreciate guys like him, and what they did for music, I mean if it wasnt for Buddy Holly we wouldn't have the Beatles, right?

Me: So, how long have you been playing and singing? Have you lived in Texas all your life?

Heath: I've been playing seriously around 5 years now, but I was always a huge music fan growing up.

Me: Did you know Texas is America's beard?

Heath: Heh, Never heard that one.

Me: Last December your CD was released. What can you tell the readers of the Phile about it?

Heath: Well, Its basically me and my friends putting my songs down on tape and having an absolute blast. It's called "Before I Break", and I really do think its got something for everybody. Whether your into folk, country or americana, there is something there for you.

Me: How many songs are on it?

Heath: Ten. Eight of them are mine and one Townes Van Zandt tune and one song by Steve Earle.

Me: I noticed you play left handed like Paul McCartney. Does that make it hard for you to find a good guitar?

Heath: Not really, I mean you can't just go down to Guitar Center and find something, and I usually have to find something I like and order it, but Martin makes all their guitars in left handed models, so they're pretty much all I play.

Me: One of your influences is Rodney Crowell. If I was to interview Crowell what should I ask him?

Heath: What it was like to hang out with Guy Clark, and to play with Emmy Lou Harris back in the day... awesome musicians.

Me: You are playing a lot of shows in Texas coming up, but any chance you are coming to Florida?

Heath: Well, my mother lives in Port St. Lucie, so you never know where I'll pop up, if time permits.

Me: What's your favorite song of all time?

Heath: There's so many... among the top would probably be "Revolution' by the Beatles or "To Live Is To Fly" by Townes Van Zandt.

Me: Who is in your band?

Heath: Currently, there's alot of people giggin with me, it pretty much depends on where we are and what kind of show it is .

Me: Heath, do you know any good jokes?

Heath: HA, probably none that are fit to print!

Me: I hope this was fun, sir. Good luck with everything.

Heath: Thanks for havin' me.

That about does it for another entry. Thanks to heath for a good interview and to Wikipedia. Check out Heath's album "Before I Break" on iTunes and download it. Okay, next Tuesday my wife is going into the hospital for some major surgery so the next entry of the Phile will be Wednesday with the band Tim Chad & Sherry. So, spread the word, not the turd. Bye love you bye. Now I am gonna go watch "Lost".